“Don’t Stay Bottled Up” is a 90-second narrative branded content film written and directed by Ilanna Barkusky for Whiny Baby wines, which are sourced from California vineyards. Shot on 35mm film in Malibu, California, the piece highlights the Whiny Baby spirit of being fearless and open to connection while spotlighting themes of female empowerment.
“Don’t Stay Bottled Up” is a unique spin on the 1960s TV sitcom cold open. Barkusky, an alum of SHOOT’s 2022 New Directors Showcase, was specifically influenced by the independent and fearless charm of the show Gidget, along with its Californian roots and setting which are also shared with the brand.
The 1960s was a transformative time for women: With the Equal Pay Act passing in 1963, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, women in the U.S. were embracing second-wave feminism and fighting for their rights. Women were not even allowed to get a business loan without a male cosigner until 1988. Following the film’s premiere, screening events will be hosted with silent auctions and raffles where proceeds will be donated to local foundations and charities that support women entrepreneurs and small female-lead businesses.
Jess Druey, the brand’s founder, is an entrepreneur success story as Whiny Baby is now at American retailers like Whole Foods, Target and BevMo. The brand aims to be fun, unpretentious, and to not take itself too seriously. With features like conversation starter bottlecaps and peel-and-stick labels, Whiny Baby sought out to be a wine that shies away from the typical pretentious bottle to encourage openness and fun. And Druey’s bold vision and determination paid off: She was the 1st place winner of Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.
